Overview & Reviews

Since its introduction, the Ford Escape has been one of America's best-selling small crossover SUVs. Considering how many other vehicles are available in this segment (many of them well established before the Escape's debut), this may come as a bit of a surprise. But Ford has a keen knack for designing SUVs that appeal to a wide range of buyers.

With the original Escape, Ford successfully combined the styling and four-wheel-drive capability of a traditional SUV with the size, practicality and driving characteristics of a midsize car. For the urban dweller in need of something comfortable, versatile, fun to drive and capable of doing some light-duty off-roading or towing, it fills the bill perfectly. Of course, the Escape's affordability certainly boosted its appeal as well.

Although it received a significant freshening for 2008 that brought notable improvements to the interior, the Escape soldiered on with its original platform until 2013's complete redesign. The latter rebirth vaulted the Escape toward the front of the compact crossover class, as it offers an appealing combination of styling, performance, fuel efficiency, features and comfort. Prior to that overhaul, however, many rival compact SUVs offered more refinement as well as a more rewarding driving experience.

Current Ford Escape
The current Ford Escape stands as one of the top entries in the very competitive compact crossover segment. There are three trim levels: S, SE and Titanium. The S comes with full power accessories, air-conditioning, the Sync voice command system, a rearview camera and a six-speaker sound system. Highlights of the SE include a turbocharged engine, keyless entry keypad, a power driver seat and satellite radio. The Escape Titanium further adds keyless ignition/entry, the MyFord Touch electronics interface, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats and an upgraded sound system.

Many of the higher trims' features are available on the lower trims, while other options include a power panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, a navigation system and a Parking Technology package (with automated parallel-parking assist and front and rear parking sensors).

Under the hood is a choice of three engines, all matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. Base Escapes come with a 168-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Standard on the SE and Titanium is a turbocharged 1.6-liter, 178-hp four-cylinder. The most powerful engine is an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter, 240-hp four-cylinder engine. The 1.6 flies the fuel-sipper flag while the 2.0 offers performance on par with a V6 along with higher fuel economy.

In reviews, the newest Ford Escape has impressed our staff with its well-rounded road manners. The 2.5 and 1.6 engines provide adequate thrust, while the 2.0 is downright spirited. The latter flattens hills with less effort than the other two and is quieter and smoother to boot. The Escape can confidently tackle a winding road and the ride, though on the firm side, is compliant enough to take the edge off the bumps and ruts of poorly maintained city streets. Downsides to the new Ford Escape include an unexpectedly high price when fitted with options and the MyFord Touch interface, which is finicky to use.

Used Ford Escape Models
Sharing its basic platform with the highly regarded Focus, the latest Ford Escape debuted for the 2013 model year. Compared to earlier Escapes, it boasts roomier seating, higher-quality materials and a second-row seat that's much easier to fold down compared to before. The latest engine selection and features debuted at this time as well. Since then, there have been only minor updates. In that debut year, Ford offered an intermediate SEL trim level and had the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine as standard for the Titanium.

The second-generation Ford Escape was produced from 2008 through 2012. Changes over the first Escape were limited to interior and exterior design. The body adopted Ford's newer styling themes seen in the Edge and Expedition, while the cabin offered a more contemporary look with improved ergonomics and more available luxury features.

The three popular trim levels -- XLS, XLT and Limited -- were once again offered. Standard feature highlights on the XLS included full power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning and stability control. The XLT added automatic headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a power driver seat, while the Limited provided leather upholstery and heated front seats. Option highlights, depending on the year, included dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, a navigation system and an automated parallel-parking system.

Any Escape could be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. Engine choices were carried over from the previous generation initially, meaning a choice of the 153-hp four-cylinder or the 200-hp V6, and both ran through a four-speed automatic transmission. For 2009 the powertrains were improved greatly, as the four-cylinder made 171 hp while the V6 pumped out 240 hp. Although a five-speed manual transmission could be had on the XLS, it's a rarity and as such, nearly all Escapes used a six-speed automatic. There was also a hybrid version of the Escape, which is covered in a separate review.

In reviews, we've found this Escape's strengths to be its wealth of high-tech features and peppy performance. Downsides included poor braking performance, an awkward-to-fold rear seat and a somewhat dated feel compared to newer rivals. That said, this generation of the Escape (as well as its Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner twins) remains worthy of shoppers interested in a well-rounded compact crossover.

The Ford Escape was introduced in 2001, and its basic exterior and interior design remained unchanged through '07. It was initially available in XLS, XLT and XLT Sport trims that were joined by the leather-lined Limited a few years later. Ford Escapes were equipped with a rather anemic base engine – a 2.0-liter four that made 130 hp -- until '05 when it was replaced by a 2.3-liter four that made 153 hp. This first-generation Escape also offered an optional V6 that made 200 hp. Although the four-cylinder engines could have a five-speed manual, most had the optional four-speed automatic that was standard on the V6.

Considering how many of these Escapes were sold, shoppers should have plenty of opportunities to be choosy and find a used model that suits them. First-year Escapes were tarnished by numerous recall notices. Though likely resolved at this point, going with a 2002 or newer model might be a good idea. Potential buyers of this first generation of Escape should note that its interior materials were of poor quality, with cheap, hard plastics everywhere.

User Reviews:

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  2.0L Turbo AWD Escape is a Great Car for my needs - 2014 Ford Escape
  By sigma1 - May 19 - 10:37 am

  Bought a used 2014 Escape 2.0L turbo AWD and have driven over 2,000 miles along the Colorado Front Range of the Rockies. Acceleration and handling are superb on twisty mountain roads and on 75 mph interstates. Cross winds of 40 mph do not affect steering this car at high speeds due to a good aerodynamic design. I purchased the Escape 2.0L AWD because I wanted a performance car with a large interior carrying capacity. I have no complaints and am exceedingly happy with my purchase.

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  A big disappointment - 2014 Ford Escape
  By patinportland - May 12 - 11:26 pm

  I bought this vehicle thinking that for the compact space I would get descent gas mileage. well I get 17 MPG in city and 26 on highway - far below what I was told back seat has little room if front seat passengers are tall. lots of rattles and road noise. Have taken it in for issues three times in first year. The console is designed poorly and not a lot of handy storage, compared to the Toyotas or Hondas I have owned this is a great disappointment in terms of quality and design

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  30K in, Jury still out - 2015 Ford Escape
  By uteman - May 3 - 7:04 pm

  Overall, Good, w/ 3 complaints: 1. Took 10K mi & 3X back to dlr to find and correct eng. starting to inexplicably run rough AT speed. Finally only after sending us out for 3wks w/ onboard eng. recorder was fault found. Had to replace main wiring harnass to computer. 2. Design flaw causes ctr-rear "female" belt receptical to get caught under seat & squash-damaged when seats folded forward. 2X back for repair. 3. Salesman emphasized "Reg. fuel," BUT after sale noted Owm. Manual says "87" octane, w/ lower 85 octane causing performance & mileage loss as eng computer auto-detunes to compensate. 4. "Sync" is still a pain in the ___!

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  Never Again - 2014 Ford Escape
  By huns8 - April 29 - 11:29 am

  I purchased a 2014 ford escape and within the first year the car was was hesitating while changing gears at 40km and also something in the morning would stick and would accelerate up the street. We would go from 0km to 50km.They tried to fix the issue 3 times with no success. They had to rebuild my transmission. Nobody at Ford wanted to help except offer free oil changes. never again will I buy a Ford a big piece of junk

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  Escape the Escape! - 2014 Ford Escape
  By escapeescape - April 26 - 4:42 pm

  Worst purchase ever! True lemon! Bought Jan 2014. Day 1: passenger headlight out. 3 trips to dealer, got it replaced. Then back to dealer for: rear lift gate out of alignment and sometimes doesnt close at all(4x tried to get it repaired), exterior lights periodically flash by themselves, SYNC wont display txt msgs (did once), door seals are horrible (TONS of dust), abnormal lag when accelerating to highway speeds, AC failed on first use, windshield wiper hits drivers side upright, 14,000 miles-lots of rattles, rear shocks just replaced, drivers window has mind of its own, headliner sagging in rear, driver presets do not return, poor performance of AC when it does work, etc.

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  Excellent - 2009 Ford Escape
  By pete162 - April 8 - 8:49 pm

  Had since new, very reliable , cheap to maintain, fuel sipper with plenty of power with the I4 2.5 liter engine. Always hand washed and waxed,it looks almost as good as the day we drove it off the lot.

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  Im in love! - 2015 Ford Escape
  By Wendy Lee - March 27 - 8:18 pm

  Loving my new Escape! Fun to drive after having 4 Toyota sedans in a row. Love sitting up high. As a single mom, with one young teenager, this small SUV is all we need! Love the quick speed, easy handling, etc.

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  Mine is the 2.0 - 2015 Ford Escape
  By petalmasher - March 25 - 4:51 pm

  Not sure why anyone would get the lower trim levels. For someone who wants the best bang for the buck dependably hauling kids, car seats, daiper bags and luggage across the state for a family vacation, the Forester, Rav 4 and CRV are the obvious choices. An Escape will do the job but it will be a bit more cramped and cost a little more. If you also want a combination of handling, power, interior materials, and tech options generally only available in a luxury brand without paying $10k for a hood badge, a loaded Escape is a a good option.

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  I love this car. - 2015 Ford Escape
  By danoham - March 20 - 1:12 pm

  This car is really fun to drive! It handles great and the 2.0L motor has excellent acceleration. I live in Colorado and the crowd-race to the tunnel is effortless, from both sides. The interior creature comforts are better than I deserve and it is obvious that careful thought went into everything. I closed the deal on 2/28 which turns out to be a very good day to buy, I paid $1014 less than the Edmunds estimate. My shopping advise would be to decide on the exact model, color, and features that you want then go to the Ford website and find dealers with that car in stock then start email conversations with their internet sales managers. You will be able to tell who is hungry.

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  A good purchase - 2012 Ford Escape
  By Phil Pimental - March 16 - 9:21 pm

  I have owned four Escapes over the years, and own a 2009 and a 2012. I have now had the 2012 for a year now and put about 10K miles on it. I have had no issues with it. It will get over 30 MPG on long trips when driven at highway speeds.